What happens to the rectum when you have constipation?

• The last part of the bowel (rectum) becomes full of poo


• It becomes so used to being full that it does not send strong
  enough signals to the brain that you need to go to the toilet


• New poo joins from the top all the time and the rectum gets fuller
  and fuller


• Some of the new poo will be runny and can leak out and stain
  your pants


• The rectum gets so full that it pushes open and a big quantity
  of poo can come out in a rush


• Some of the old poo can be left behind and the whole cycle
  starts again

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